Monmouth University president retires; interim president named

Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown is retiring, the West Long Branch college announced Tuesday, with a former vice president and general counsel, Grey J. Dimenna, serving as interim president during the search for Brown’s replacement.

“I didn’t come to the decision to retire lightly, and, after many discussions, I knew the time was right,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “Monmouth is positioned for a great future, and I am confident that the university is in good hands with Grey at the helm.”

Brown, who became Monmouth’s eighth president in 2013, is officially going on sabbatical this month, then retiring at the end of his time away.

“The university made great strides during Paul Brown’s tenure,” Henry D. Mercer III, chairman of the board of trustees, said in a statement. “The reputation of the university continues to grow, with the Polling Institute and the Urban Coast Institute gaining national recognition. Nevertheless, our primary mission is the enhancement of the educational experience of students.

“Under President Brown, the university’s strategic plan furthered this effort by enhancing academic programs, expanding facilities and placing a priority on the preparation for life after Monmouth. The athletics programs have also seen national success.”

Dimenna retired from the university in July 2015.

“Paul touched many lives during his tenure,” he said in a statement. “The entire Monmouth University community wishes Paul an engaged and rewarding retirement.”